The friendly match began slowly with neither side able to break the deadlock before the break.

Dick Advocaat made eleven changes at the break including the introduction of 19-year-old striker Nick Venema. However, it was Stuttgart who took the lead when Gonzalo Castro netted from the spot.

Three minutes after falling behind, Utrecht were level when Venema finished off a cross from Leon Guwara. Stuttgart regained their lead almost immediately, though, through Erik Thommy.

Venema equalised again for Utrecht from Cyriel Dessers pass before the striker sealed a victory and his hattrick with a header.

The 19-year-old has been a sensation in Utrecht this season, scoring four times in seven appearances in the Eredivisie so far. He is yet to become a regular starter under Advocaat but this hattrick should help convince his boss that he deserves to be first choice up front heading into the second half of the campaign.